MEP Schaake reacts to end of voting in Egypt

Today is the final day of the presidential elections in Egypt. Egyptians had three days to cast their votes. Media have reported intimidation and bribery.

MEP Schaake (ALDE/D66) responds: “This election was a sham. There was only one actual candidate, and that’s current president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Exact numbers still need to be confirmed, but the low turnout, especially among young people, underscores once again how frustrated people are with the systematic oppression by their government.”

Schaake continues. “Despite the very worrying developments in Egypt, the European Commission and member states are staying silent towards this strategic partner. That is unacceptable. The EU must take action, for example by suspending financial and diplomatic support.”

In February the European Parliament adopted a resolution which was initiated by Schaake, in which the parliament called on EU foreign policy chief Mogherini to publicly condemn the human rights violations.